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International Conference on Photonics Solutions (ICPS)

Quantum key distribution solution over indoor visible light communication networks

Ngoc The Dang, Minh B. Vu, Thu Anh Thi Pham, Thi-Thu-Hien Pham, Vuong V. Mai

Published Mar 11, 2020• 4 citations
Publisher

Abstract

In this paper, we study an application of quantum key distribution (QKD) for indoor visible light communication (VLC) networks. Continuous variable QKD (CV-QKD) is used due to the fact that it is less expensive, working at room temperature, and much easier to implement. We design and analyze the security performance of the CV-QKD protocol based on sub-carrier intensity modulation (SIM) over indoor VLC systems taking into account the effects of VLC channel and other physical layer impairments. The mathematical expressions for quantum bit-error rate (QBER) and secret-key rate are derived. Based on the mathematical expressions, various systems’ metrics, including the modulation depth and the dual-threshold scale coefficient, can be determined so as to QBER and secret-key rate meet the design criteria.

DOI
10.1117/12.2552987

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In this paper, we study an application of quantum key distribution (QKD) for indoor visible light communication (VLC) networks. Continuous variable QKD (CV-QKD) is used due to the fact that it is less expensive, working at room temperature, and much easier to implement. We design and analyze the security performance of the CV-QKD protocol based on sub-carrier intensity modulation (SIM) over indoor VLC systems taking into account the effects of VLC channel and other physical layer impairments. The mathematical expressions for quantum bit-error rate (QBER) and secret-key rate are derived. Based on the mathematical expressions, various systems’ metrics, including the modulation depth and the dual-threshold scale coefficient, can be determined so as to QBER and secret-key rate meet the design criteria.
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This work presents the implementation of one-time padding (OTP) encryption in intensity modulation/direct detection-based (IM/DD)-based visible light communication (VLC) systems using a discrete modulation continuous-variable quantum key distribution (QKD) protocol. The proposed system uses a QKD-based quadrature phase shift keying protocol to prepare and share the secret key and employs binary phase shift keying modulation to transfer the encrypted information simultaneously via frequency division multiplexing. In the proposed system, OTP encryption is applied to each frame using secret keys generated during the preceding frame. To analyze the system's performance, bit error rate (BER) and transmission efficiency of the overall system are derived and verified using Monte Carlo simulation. It is found that the overall BER of Bob decreases with the increase in transmitted power (Pt), however, the BER of Eve remains constant throughout the considered range ofPtP_{\mathrm{t}}Pt​. This shows the effectiveness of the proposed strategy as a practical quantum cryptographic method in IM/DD VLC system.
In this paper, we investigate a satellite quantum key distribution (QKD) solution for vehicular visible light communication (V2LC) networks. Quantum keys are generated from a trusted satellite and then transmitted via free-space optics (FSO) link to a ground station, where they are distributed to vehicles by using a LED traffic light. Performance of the proposed QKD system is analyzed by taking into account the impact caused by both FSO and visible light communication (VLC) channels. The road model is also considered to determine the services areas of vehicles. Numerical results in terms of quantum bit-error rate (QBER) and probability of sift prove the feasibility of our proposed QKD system.
Visible light communication (VLC) is a promising technology to improve the capacity of the existing indoor wireless communication systems. However, VLC also comes with security concerns in line with other wireless and wired transmission systems. In this regard, quantum key distribution (QKD) has been proposed as an optimal solution to enhance the security of VLC networks at the physical layer. This paper serves as a review study of the QKD and highlights its state-of-the-art, applications and challenges in the prospect of securing the VLC systems.
Continuous-variable (CV) quantum key distribution (QKD) allows for quantum secure communication with the benefit of being close to classical coherent communication. In recent years, CV QKD protocols using a discrete number of displaced coherent states have been studied intensively as the modulation can be directly implemented with real devices with finite resolution. Until now, experiments only calculated key rates in the asymptotic regime. Here, we present a CV QKD system using discrete modulation that is especially designed for atmospheric channels. We use polarization encoding to exploit the nonbirefringent nature of the turbulent atmosphere. This allows to expand CV QKD networks beyond the existing fiber backbone. In a laboratory demonstration with a static 3-decibel loss channel, we implemented a recently developed security proof allowing to calculate composable finite-size key rates against independently and identically distributed collective attacks. We applied the full QKD protocol including a quantum random number generator, error correction, and privacy amplification to extract secret keys.
Abstract Next-generation smart cities are increasingly reliant on high-speed, secure communication systems to support 6 G networks, IoT infrastructure, and autonomous systems. Classical cryptographic techniques are becoming vulnerable to quantum computing attacks, prompting the integration of quantum-secure communication mechanisms. In this context, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) over Visible Light Communication (VLC) and Free Space Optical (FSO) networks offers a promising path toward ultra-secure, energy-efficient transmission. We propose an Entangled Photon Quantum Key Distribution (EP-QKD) framework that advances secure communication by integrating polarization-entangled photons, adaptive Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER) optimization, and hybrid quantum-classical authentication anchored with blockchain. This advancement addresses critical limitations of traditional QKD systems—including high sensitivity to ambient interference, limited scalability, and high error rates—by employing entanglement-based noise resilience and real-time detection threshold control. Existing approaches to QoS and security—such as RSA-based encryption, BB84 and E91 protocols, and VLC-oriented modulation techniques—struggle with low secure key rates, high QBER under ambient light, and vulnerability to man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks. EP-QKD overcomes these limitations by enhancing photon distribution fidelity, enabling decentralized authentication, and sustaining low error rates across dynamic urban optical environments. Experimental results demonstrate that EP-QKD achieves an average QBER of 1.2% and maintains QBER below 2.5% at 1000 lux, reducing errors by 40% over BB84 and 60% over E91. It attains secure key generation rates of over 1200 Mbps at 5 meters, outperforming BB84 and E91 by a significant margin. At 20 meters, EP-QKD maintains 300 Mbps, while BB84 drops to 40 Mbps. The MITM attack success rate is reduced to 0.01%, compared to 15% with BB84 + RSA. Additionally, EP-QKD achieves energy efficiency of 0.7 nJ/bit—nearly half of BB84’s requirement—making it suitable for energy-constrained IoT and mobile systems. Multi-user scalability testing confirms that EP-QKD can support up to 50 concurrent users with a key rate above 80 Mbps per user and QBER < 1.8%. A 3D analysis further shows that QBER remains below 5% even at 50 meters, demonstrating the framework’s robustness for long-distance secure optical communication. Overall, the proposed EP-QKD framework significantly enhances the performance, scalability, and resilience of quantum communication systems, making it a viable candidate for 6 G, IoT, and satellite-based secure infrastructure.